American Cancer Society Foundation

Mission:
THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FOUNDATION IS ESTABLISHED AS AN ENTITY OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, INC. ITS MISSION IS TO ACCELERATE THE CONTROL AND CURE OF CANCER BY SECURING MAJOR GIFTS AND ENDOWMENTS FROM INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS TO SUPPORT RESEARCH, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, INC. AND ITS CHARTERED DIVISIONS.

Community Reviews

My Name is Mrs Mariam O lee iam a widow suffering from cancer of the lungs, the doctors just informed me that i have just 1 month remaining, this is why i want to use this short time to share my last visions and the plans i have for this short period of time, my email i jegac3@yahoo.com do contact me so i can share my visions and last thoughts with you

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

The American Cancer Society is a wonderful organization. Although they CANNOT provide direct financial assistance for medical bills at this time (some people contact the org regarding this need and feel that this should be offered), they are usually able to provide free wigs or wig vouchers, gas cards or transportation grants, mastectomy bras and breast prostheses, volunteer drivers to help patients get to treatment, support groups including Look Good, Feel Better, certain medical supplies, etc. through their Patient Service Centers and local offices. However, it's important to contact them directly to find out what specifically exists in a patient's area. Additional services may be available depending on which division a patient lives in. In addition to these services, ACS lodging programs exist in many areas of the country for those who have to travel far for medical treatment. ACS also has an Air Miles program for those who need help with the cost of a flight to medical treatment. Other nationwide services include a Health Insurance Information Service that can discuss health insurance options with patients who are underinsured, uninsured or in transition. They also offer a clinical trials matching service that can help patients locate clinical trials they may be able to participate in. Finally, they have cancer information specialists available 24/7 to answer cancer-related questions for patients. They can also find additional resources for patients if ACS cannot help with a need. Keep in mind that these are just the services that make available to patients. They also have a HUGE research grant program, a smoking cessation program and other early detection/outreach programs. I would highly recommend supporting them. Their financial allocation information can be found here: http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/cancer/american-cancer-society-in-atlanta-ga-186

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

ACS raises thousands and thousands of dollars every year that are poured back into education, advocacy, and patient assistance.

Before Cancer: ACS provides lots of information on screenings and education of the kinds of cancer and treatment. They fund scientists worldwide to help find a cure. They also lobby around the country to pass laws such as smoke free air, insurance coverage, and aid for the poor.

Finding out: The ACS 24/7 hotline - 1800-227-2345 will help you understand your cancer, provide you with any information on resources and programs, and send you a Personal Health Manager to keep track of all your health providers, tests, appointments, medicines, bills, etc.

During Cancer: Road to Recovery is a program that gives patients rides to their appointments and treatments. Look Good Feel Better is a program that teaches patients about options for head ware if they desire (wraps, wigs, etc.) and teaches them how to use/wear their prosthetic. If you need assistance with pharmaceuticals they will talk with your pharmacy and insurance to try to work something out. If you need cash, they will help you find organizations that can hand you a check. If you need medical equipment, they will find an individual or business in your area who can give you what you need.

After Cancer: ACS gives you the opportunity to give back by being a mentor to someone who is going through what you have been through. They help you share your story to impact people. Whether that impact leads to a gift, changes a life, or gives someone hope, you know you've made a difference.

The staff is kind, hard working, and helpful. They operate on little to nothing, under 10% and usually under 5%.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

My Reason to Relay
My reason to Relay is to educate the community on what is and IS NOT being done for those inflicted with this devastating disease.
When our daughter was diagnosed, we thought we could contact the organization that we had been affilitated and raised over $70,000 for over the past five years--The American Cancer Society Relay For Life. We thought there would be endless opportunities of support not only for us, our daughter and our family, but for others we met along the way traveling this terrible journey.
We quickly discovered we were wrong. We tried staying in Hope Lodge...can't because our daughter is under 18. Tried for other services...refused. We were told directly by an American Cancer Society staff member, and this was repeated to us numerous times, that there were no services catering to the "young" cancer victim. The American Cancer Society told us that the services they provide are catered to the "older adult" and their "services include mostly prostate and breast cancer victims, because that is who we receive funding for."
That certainly shed a different light on all of those young survivors walking the survivor lap and all of those youth teams participating in Relay. It also posed another question...."Where does the money go?" After raising over $70,000 as a FAMILY team for the Relay For Life, I still ponder that question. The only reason we have continued this year is to show our support to our daughter who, WITHOUT the help of Relay For Life and American Cancer Society, is a SURVIVOR of Stage 4B Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
We were told that these issues would be brought before the Ohio Task Force and even on a local level. Guess what? Several months later, we still have not received any different information. We were "appeased" with "words" so that we would keep quiet during Relay For Life. Are these issues ever going to be addressed? Think about the "help" we have received. Think about the "help" any other family member/friend has received from the American Cancer Society. Other than a support of friends, which can be found in many, many, many other places, what services has your loved one received? Is your Relaying worth it? What are you REALLY doing for our local cancer victims? THINK ABOUT IT!
Our Reason to Relay
After five years as a family team, raising over $70,000 for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, we found ourselves finding out first hand where the money goes...
When we asked what services could be provided to us when our then 15 year old daughter was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin's Lymphoma, we were told, by the American Cancer Society, "none".
Because Abbie was under 18, we weren't able to stay in Hope Lodge (paid for by your American Cancer Society Relay For Life dollars).
We were also told by the American Cancer Society that their services catered to breast and prostate cancer because they get funding for those and they cater also to the "older patient".
They realize that there are no services for youth and they will be "working on that."
Flashback to early 2007 when my Aunt Arlene was diagnosed with lung cancer and was totally uninsured. Of course, I referred her to the American Cancer Society because I KNEW they would be able to help. Do you want to know what help she received? A list of websites she could check out to see if she was eligible through OTHER (NOT American Cancer Society) programs for assistance. There was nothing else the American Cancer Society could do to help. Oh, wait, they did offer a rickety old broken wheelchair. They also offered a couple other pieces of medical equipment, but with the shape the wheelchair was in, I would be afraid to use anything else received from them!
So, we decided to give them ONE more chance...we were told no help for Aunt Arlene (age 66 at time of diagnosis, so she fit the American Cancer Society profile of 'older adult'). No help for Abbie because she was a 'youth'. Ok, so, giving the benefit of the doubt, one more chance....Dawn, my sister, was diagnosed with Stage 1 diffuse large B cell lymphoma (non-Hodgkins). She has 2 young children at home and is a single mom who has had to quit her job to endure at least 4 1/2 months of treatment. Because her long term disability is $56 too much per month, she can't receive any medical benefits from her employer or Ohio Medicaid. So, after one round of chemotherapy, with 5 more to go, she is told she has NO INSURANCE! So, one more try to the American Cancer Society. When we called them and explained the situation and asked what type of assistance the American Cancer Society could provide, we were told, "You can call the Patient Advocate Organization and see what assistance they can provide." I asked if they were affiliated with the American Cancer Society and was told they were NOT. I asked if there was any assistance the American Cancer Society could provide and was politely told there was nothing they could offer. However, their call center is open 24/7, seven days a week if we ever wanted to call back...I am not sure what we would call back for?????
So, next time you decide to support a Relay fundraiser, think about it....what services has your loved one received from the American Cancer Society during their journey? Of all places we thought we could receive support, The American Cancer Society was it...WOW! We were shocked to find out how very WRONG that is!!!
This year, all our efforts are in support of Abbie's fight and her HERO status as as SURVIVOR.
Six rounds of chemo...ONE MILLION DOLLARS
American Cancer Society assistance...Two hundred dollars in gas cards to keep us quiet (this is not typically given)
Remission...PRICELESS!!!!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

what they DO NOT provide!

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

be true to my word and provide services for ALL cancer patients and not just give referrals. Would lift any age restriction and any restriction that a particular cancer has to be diagnosed before help can be given.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

watching the survivor lap, which has NOTHING to do with ACS itself

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

in it for the beer and socialization.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

buy lots and lots of beer for their volunteers and staff during 'training' sessions.

Ways to make it better...

they were true to their word and provided SERVICES.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

the fact that people are beginning to find out what type of organization they REALLY are.

One thing I'd also say is that...

staff is hired on a 'who you know' basis. If you will 'sleep' with anyone, you can work your way to the top, right, Pam?

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every month

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I am a registered nurse. I have been involved with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society for several years. Every year, ACS helps my patients with their cancer care. They give my patients and their families help and hope. I am a team captain for the Rleay for Life. Murray, Ky. has the most amazing crew of people involved with this. You truly feel the love and concern for all patients and families with cancer. My father died of lung cancer and I know how important the ACS is to patients and families. I couldn't be more proud of being a part of the American Cancer Society.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

My Mom was diagnosed with a rare form of ear cancer in March, 1998, and I found the El Paso American Cancer Society office through the internet. I spoke over the phone to ACS personnel, Laura Alvarado and Veronica Guzman to get information on the type of cancer my Mom had, and resources available to us for a trip to Houston for my Mom's surgery. These two ladies were invaluable in connecting me with resources during our stay in Houston. We had not met, however we felt as if we had known each other forever. Before our trip to Houston, I was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer, and was now calling Veronica and Laura regarding my treatment and resources available to me. Because of the kindness and compassion these two ladies exhibited to myself and my Mom, I quickly became a Relay for Life volunteer, and have been raising money to allow the ACS to help others for the past 10 years in order to help other families in my situation. Cancer has affected many of my family members, and by volunteering my time and efforts, I feel I am helping the ACS help others and I will never forget how they helped me.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Helping the community through Reach for Recovery and providing cancer patients with transportation to and from their treatments.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Make Relay for Life more public and raise more awareness of this nationwide event.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

Making a difference in the community and making new friendships.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

Committe Chairs, Public Affairs, Community Managers

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

Help several cancer patients that cannot afford medical treatment, and concentrate on eradicating all cancers through research

Ways to make it better...

The Relay for Life was advertised more. Everyone is aware of the Race for the Cure, but there is not enough publicity about the Relay for Life!

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

Lack of funds.

One thing I'd also say is that...

I started donating to the American Cancer Society through the Combined Federal Campaign when my Father succombed to lung cancer in 1986, but I never thought I would be at the receiving end of my donations.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

The American Cancer Society and Relay for Life represent true HOPE for me. I have a HOPE that one day cancer will be eliminated and no one will ever have to experience the negative effects of this horrible disease. The words you have cancer will no longer be spoken. ACS and Relay for Life strive to create this world. I have worked with ACS and Relay for Life for over six years now. In those six years I have seen more and more preventative care as well as more resources available to those fighting this horrible disease.
I am a teacher who, with the assistance of ACS, is teaching my students preventative care and where to get the resources they need. Teaching my students means teaching their parents and family members. I have students who come to me to find the resources they need to help their family. We are spreading the word about preventative care like mammograms, colorectal screenings, tobacco use, sunscreen, etc. I have had students come to me for assistance with family members about to lose their home because their cancer treatments are taking all the money they have – their house was saved thanks to their patient advocate’s assistance. One of my favorite stories is the one of the man who looked at one of the brochures we passed out and discovered his mole was similar to the picture of melanoma. He had it removed the same day he went to the doctor. This man went to the doctor because of one of one of the many brochures we were given by the ACS.
My students are well educated about the many dangers of cancers. They are becoming more aware each year as to preventative care. I have true HOPE for the future of my students and their community. I have hope that all the preventative care and education we are providing our students, thanks to ACS, will continue to make a difference.
I HOPE that one day cancer will be eliminated and no one will ever have to experience the negative effects of this horrible disease, but until that day comes I am grateful to the American Cancer Society and all their resources. I will continue to educate my students and HOPE that those lost to cancer, like my grandpa, will never be forgotten. I look forward to a day when the words you have cancer will no longer be spoken but, until that day comes I will continue to help those who face cancer so they are not alone. I will continue, with the help of ACS to raise as much money as I can to fight this horrible disease.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

My Aunt Iota passed away from ovarian cancer almost five years ago. She was a beautiful woman that had a smile that would warm your heart and light up your night! My aunt fought for five years before she lost her battle. I won’t ever forget the day that the hospital came in to her room and said the insurance company will no longer cover her stay there since she is terminal. They said she can stay for the night and we would have to make arrangements for her tomorrow. About 45 minutes later the hospital staff came in started to unhook her. We asked what they were doing and they told us she can’t stay any longer. Baffled we let them know that we were told she could stay until tomorrow so we can make arrangements for her at Hospice. They said the ambulance is outside waiting and they contacted Hospice to let them know she was on her way. We all were shocked and completely disturbed by their action. They treated my dying aunt with no respect. When the money ran out they just wanted to get rid of her like she was extra baggage. My aunt passed away a few weeks later. I visited her almost every day! The day before she died I told her, “I will be back tomorrow, I love you!” Aunt Iota really wasn’t responsive at this point, but while I was holding her hand, she squeezed mine, opened here eyes and said to me, “I love you and I will miss you.” I told her not to be silly that I would be back tomorrow. She knew what I didn’t know; she was going to be gone by the time I returned. I missed her passing by 15 minutes. When I walked into the room she laid there peacefully with the most beautiful smile on her face! She was happy again and the pain was gone. At that time I didn’t know much about ACS and how they can help. I began to work here in March of 2006. I learned that ACS provides rides back and fourth to treatment for patients, that there is the 800# that is available 24/7 for patients that have questions or need support and in advocacy they were fighting for the right of the patient. Trying to prevent what happened to my aunt from happening to others. I love my job here at ACS! No one should face cancer alone and we are here for our patients and caregivers! ACS is a wonderful organization that has so much to offer to patients and families! Thank you ACS for what you do!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I WAS FIRST TOUCHED BY THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE IN 1978 FROM CANCER . I RECENTLY LOST MY BROTHER-LAW TO A FIFHT WITH CANCER . IN 2007 MY GRADSON AT THE AGE OF TWELVE WAS TOLD HE HAD BRAIN CANCER, AND THAT IS WHEN I DECIDED TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER FOR RELAY FOR LIFE IN LAGRANGE COUNTY , IN. IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I HAVE MADE AS A VOLUNTEER IN MY LIFE TIME .IT IS NOT JUST WHAT WE DO BUT HOW WE APPLY OUR SELVES TO HELP AND TO SEE THE OUT COME OF IT ALL . TO WATCH THE SURVIVORS AT WORK WITH YOU AND THOSE THAT YOU HELP IS OVERWHELMING AND TO WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE SUCH A PASSION TO FIGHT THIS BATTLE FOR A CURE . TO SEE A SMILING FACE OF A SURVIVOR AT A SPECIAL OCCASSION SUCH AS A DINNER OR BREAKFAST THAT IS GIVEN IN THEIR HONOR . THESE ARE THE SILENT HEART WARMER REWARDS TO ME . TO GIVE OF MYSELF AS MUCH AS I CAN TO HELP THIS CAUSE AND KNOWING THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS DOING THE SAME FOR MY GRANDSON AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT SUFFER FROM CANCER .

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

OUR COMMUNITY REP. MARTY HAYWARD PUTS HER WHOLE SELF INTO A.C.S. AND IS A GREAT LEADER FOR OUR RELAY TO FOLLOW . I THINK WE HAVE MADE SEEN SOME GOOD RESULTS WITH WHAT WE OCCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR AND HOPE TO DO EVEN BETTER NEXT YEAR .

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

IF I RAN THIS ORGANIZTION ,WELL THAT'S EASY TO SAY UNTIL YOU WALK IN THOSE SHOES ,THEN IT CHANGES A LOT . I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A WAY TO HAVE MORE CARING VOLUNTEERS AND BEABLE TO DO MORE SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE SURVIVORS .

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

THE REWARDS ARE GREAT WITH RELAY AND WORKING WITH HARD WORKING CARING PEOPLE IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND SEEING A SMILING FACE OF A CANCER SURVIVOR . THERE IS NOTHING BETTER TO SEE THAT AND TO FEEL THE TOGETHERNESS IN SPIRIT !

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE WARM CARING PEOPLE WITH A PASSION FOR WHAT THEY DO . THE VOLUNTEERS BECAME FRIENDS AND ALSO CARE ABOUT MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR SO MANY PEOPLE .SOME ALSO HAVE LOVE ONES WITH CANCER , BUT WE ALL WORKED TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF ALL

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

IF WE HAD THAT MUCH MONEY ,WELL WHOSE TO SAY WHERE IT COULD LEAD US . RESEACH WOULD BEABLE TO HOPEFULLY FIND A CURE FOR CANCER . JUST THINK OF THE HELP WE COULD GIVE TO ALL WHO HAD CANCER , WITH MEDICAL EXPENCES AND HELPING TO MAKE THEIR LIFE MORE JOYFUL

Ways to make it better...

I HOPE TO SEE MORE VOLUNTEERS IN THE COMING YEAR AND WITH THIS I THINK WE CAN OCCOMPLISH MORE OF OUR SET GOALS .

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

TO RAISE MORE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEACH AND TO GET MORE PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH THIS BATTLE . TO UNDERSTAND THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER HAS NOT GONE AWAY AND WE NEED TO STOP IT NOW !TO MANY YOUNG CHILDREN AND ADULTS EVERYDAY ARE TOLD THEY HAVE CANCER , WHY ?

One thing I'd also say is that...

MY LIFE HAS CHANGED SINCE CANCER HAS EFFECTED OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS . YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SUFFER FROM CANCER NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE TREATMENT , SADNESS AND PAIN IT BRINGS INTO THEIR LIFES . A CURE NEEDS TO FOUND AND NOW !

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I was first touched by cancer in 1992 when I was 14 years old my grandfather passed away being so young at the time I had no idea how many people have cancer, have survived cancer, have lost someone with cancer or have been caregivers of loved ones with cancer. As I reached adulthood it became more clear to me and then in 2008 I lost my mother-in-law and my mother was diagnosed. My poor 5 year old was dealing with the total loss of one grandma and the illness of another and I became my mother's primary caregiver my daughter asked what she could do to help the "people who are sick" SO I went to ACS and I signed up to be a Relay For Life Team Captain and my (now 6 year old) daughter is my "unofficial" co-captain. We are helping one step at a time and the actual 24 hour Relay event is one of the few times I had honestly say I felt every emotion all at once it's unexplainable to be there walking on the track with the survivors, the families, the other Relay teams become instant friends and I truly feel it's one of the few ways you can involve children and let them know that they are never too small to help someone else. The ACS has been so wonderful to my mother and myself, they have been patient and answered all our questions, they helped us with resources we did not even know were available from support groups and wigs to financial help and transportation. I always know I can call and get the help I need so I am glad I can give back to ACS.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Helping my mother deal with her cancer the help that they have given us is Amazing.
Relay for Life has changed my life in the most beautiful way.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Find a way to make sure the information was placed into the hands of a patient the moment they heard the diagnosis cancer

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

It really feels like I am making a difference and showing my daughter that she can be the kind of person who has fun while helping other people.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

Everyone I have met who is involved with ACS and Relay for Life are wonderful kind people who are involved because they care, they want to help, they want to make having cancer as easy for the patient as possible

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

get more information and education out there for the public and help alot of people. Cancer is scary enough but at least with the help of ACS you have hope and resources.

Ways to make it better...

I had been given the information earlier

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

getting the information out there. The number of cancer patients seems to just keep getting bigger and without the money and the volunteers only so many can be helped.

One thing I'd also say is that...

becoming involved with the ACS and Relay for Life has helped me just as much as I have been able to help others. I was so glad they were there when I needed them and now I am so glad I can give back so that others can be helped.